Davenport University officials last week dedicated a new residence hall named after well-known area philanthropists.

About 100 students call the Fred and Lena Meijer Residence Hall home. The co-ed hall is named after the Meijers because the couple donated about 16 wooded acres that adjoin the eastern border of Davenport's 53-acre W.A. Lettinga campus at 6191 Kraft Ave. in Caledonia.

"Davenport University is extremely grateful for the generosity of the Meijers and thrilled to have the highly respected Meijer name represented on our campus," said Michael Volk, the university's interim president. "The property increases the size of our campus and provides options for immediate use as well as for potential expansion as our campus enrollment, demand for housing and sports teams continue to grow."

Fred Meijer said he and his wife are thrilled to be associated with Davenport, a private university specializing in business, technology, and health professions.

"The names of some of our leading entrepreneurs are represented on the Davenport campus, and I hope their achievements will inspire students," he said.

The newly dedicated hall is a five-story apartment-style building. The Peter C. and Pat Cook Residence Hall on the campus houses 100 students.

A third residence hall, which will hold up to 300 students, is scheduled to open this fall. It will hold a dining facility for all three halls and has the ability to expand the total campus residency to 700.

The campus is also home to an academic building with an adjoining library and a student center with a field house.